Sandra has a Masters degree in Library Science and has enjoyed 25 years in literacy programs and information management – from children’s librarianship to managing a library education program at the post-secondary level. She taught at the University of Hong Kong and conducted research in adult learning and information literacy. At the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, she chaired the Library technician program and Journalism program — a busy leadership role that allowed her to realize her passion and commitment to supporting learners.

Gail joined Decoda with more than 20 years of experience as a professional fundraiser. Prior to Decoda, she worked with Canuck Place Children’s Hospice and the BC SPCA.

Gail provides fundraising expertise in direct mail, online giving, major gifts, foundation grants, monthly and planned giving. Gail is also the senior editor of The Westcoast Reader. She believes literacy is a fundamental human right and the key to reducing poverty.

Maureen has worked as a literacy advocate for many years. She was involved in community development and partnership building through her work as a literacy outreach coordinator and in pilot programs for adult learning and ESL in the Fraser Cascade region. Her background in health and employment services has provided the context for teaching and gaining experience in a variety of environments. She feels she is most in her element when she is out in the elements.

Jade joined Decoda with over ten years of experience in education, including teaching and curriculum planning for students from kindergarten to adults.

Jade is Decoda’s training specialist and the production and instructional materials editor of The Westcoast Reader.

Previously, Jade worked at Sylvan as a Centre Director. She holds degrees in Linguistics and Education. Jade is a passionate educator who believes that literacy is a key to opening doors for people so they can have better job opportunities, better health and a better life overall. On weekends, Jade is either painting or enjoying outdoor activities with her dog.

Lea has worked in the information field for over ten years. Prior to Decoda, Lea worked as the librarian & archivist at a local museum. She holds Master’s degrees in Library and Information Studies and Archival Studies from UBC.

Lea acted as Decoda’s librarian from 2021-23 but has transitioned to Digital Content and Data Administrator.

Lea helps people access the systems and information they need by designing and implementing clear, user-friendly and accessible solutions. She believes in removing literacy barriers, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.

Trish manages Decoda’s social media platforms and writes impact stories for the website. She has 25 years’ experience writing, editing, marketing and media planning for corporate, retail, non-profit, municipal organizations and newspapers. She was also a literacy outreach coordinator for North Vancouver Island communities. She believes that improving literacy skills, in all its forms, opens doors to new opportunities and leads to stronger, healthier and happier society.

Natasha joined the Decoda team with over 10 years of non-profit experience. Prior to Decoda, Natasha worked with Coast Mental Health, Frontier College and Lu’ma Native Housing Society. At Frontier College, she witnessed how literacy combined with a safe space can foster community and confidence amongst youth. When not working, Natasha can be found chasing her active toddler around one of the city’s playgrounds. Natasha believes literacy is a building block to success in life and is thrilled to be working with Decoda.

Alex recently graduated from Langara College’s Library and Information Technology program and was Student Representative for his program during his undergrad. Prior to Decoda, he graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in General Agroecology and worked for the Federal Government. During his practicums at Langara, Alex witnessed the importance of literacy for people across all ages and feels literacy is a fundamental building block that is essential for building the life you wish to create for yourself. Outside of work, Alex is exercising, hanging out with friends or reading self-improvement books on various topics.

Tracy brings a practitioner perspective to our Decoda board. She has been teaching adults for more than 40 years, starting at UBC’s English Language Institute, retiring in 2023 from Capilano University’s Community Development and Outreach Department where she taught in and managed a Community Adult Learning Program among other duties. Tracy is a specialist in workplace learning, and literacy and numeracy are foundational to her practice. She works as a consultant and coach through TLFI The Learning Factor Inc. She has a BA in French, and an MA in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) both from UBC.

With over 8 years of experience in public administration, Eunice is a skilled Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) who currently serves as the Budget Manager for the School District of Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows. Concurrently, she lends her expertise to Mom2Mom Charity in Vancouver as a dedicated Board of Director. Beyond her professional roles, Eunice is passionate about financial literacy, actively participating in CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program to empower others with her knowledge.

Manmeet brings nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to Decoda. He has held various executive and senior leadership positions during his career, including President and Chief Executive Officer for Fiduciary Trust Canada, Senior Vice President at Aviso Wealth and Chief Investment Officer for Qtrade Financial Group. Manmeet has earned several industry designations, including Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and CFA Certificate in ESG Investing among others. He’s a graduate of the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba (Bachelor of Commerce).

Over her forty-year career as an educator and administrator in public education, Lynn has assumed a variety of leadership roles with the Vancouver Board of Education including Associate Superintendent (2008 – 2010), Staff Development Consultant, District Principal (Counselling and Support Services), Secondary School Vice Principal & Principal, and Learning and Development District Administrator. She has also been a teacher and counsellor in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario and BC. More recently Lynn served as President and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education (2010 – 2013) and has offered education consulting services to such organizations as the BC School Trustees Association and the Take A Hike Foundation. Community volunteer experience include North Shore Restorative Justice Board of Directors (2016 – 2020) and Hollyburn Community Services Society Board of Directors (2016-present). Lynn received a Bachelor of Arts (1967) and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology (1984) from the University of British Columbia.

Nathan is a long-time advocate for literacy and public education. He has been a lawyer for 20 years. In his current practice, he provides strategic advice to Indigenous governments, environmental organizations, and other public interest groups. He previously served as a director of the Douglas Park Community Association and as an adjunct professor at the UBC Allard School of Law. He has received a BA from UBC, law degrees from the University of Toronto and Columbia Law School, and a doctorate in law from the University of Toronto.

Suzanne has worked as an adult and family literacy educator for over 25 years, in Nicaragua, South Africa and Vancouver. She completed her PhD at the University of British Columbia, and is currently an Associate Professor in Adult Literacies and Adult Education in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University, teaching undergraduate and graduate programs related to feminist, decolonial community-based inquiry. Her research is currently concerned with the implications of automation and AI for social rights, and the work of literacy educators. Suzanne works closely with community-based organizations that offer timely digital literacy education to community members at a time of disinformation, phishing, and the automation of our everyday lives; she is excited to be supporting Decoda’s crucial work as a Board Member.

Wanda is a lifelong learner with a passion for financial wellness and community. She sits on a number of advisory committees devoted to ensuring financial literacy and advice accessibility is a priority in Canada. Wanda draws on more than 25 years of leadership experience in financial services, holding senior and executive roles with CIBC, Qtrade, and now Aviso as Head of the Credit Union Wealth Division, working with Canada’s credit unions. Wanda earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, holds a Certified Financial Planner Designation and the Institute of Corporate Directors Designation, and is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.